Confidence and Courage... Keys to My Successful Moto Training Adventure

For a while now I’d been wondering about taking off-road motorcycle riding lessons, so when Jeff Siegers from Jeff Stanton Adventures suggested we add that onto our specialized couple’s adventure riding package, I got really excited. As is usually the case, though, as the day approached, I got more and more nervous about it. Yoga and mindfulness training helped keep the jitters to a low simmer, and my Mantra became, “I want to. I choose to. I can, and I will! 

With a mindset of confidence and courage, I arrived at TwoHats Ranch just before noon on Sunday, June 13, 2021. This is the base for Jeff Stanton Adventures. One other rider (Jake) and the instructors (Jeff Siegers and Jeff Stanton) were at the lodge ready to go. Bill from Ohio soon joined us, as did two boys that work the ranch who had never ridden before.  Triumph Tiger motorcycles are their usual fleet, but they added a smaller Yamaha TW200 for me. 

We got on the bikes and rode out to a grassy field to the short training course. As instructed by Jeff Stanton, we stayed in first gear and stood up the entire time. First, we zigzagged through cones, around a mowed cul-de-sac, and back through the cones. I had good throttle and clutch control, but went wide and put my foot down at first. Soon we all learned to turn tighter without putting down our feet.

Once we all mastered the cones, we rode single file through a mowed figure eight, crossing each other at the intersection. That was easier, especially when I remembered to look through the turn and not at the ground. Our next obstacle was riding up and around a mowed off-camber turn, over two sets of logs, around small boulders, and across a wooden bridge. Jeff placed long boards on either side of the bridge for added challenge. I did good riding the obstacles and was feeling a lot more confident.

Then, they took us into the woods. I was so excited when I entered the woods, thinking "Wow, I'm riding in the woods!" That was short lived. I went around the first tight obstacle pretty well, but the next one I hit too much throttle and flung myself into a tree and onto the ground. They were right there to help me. I sat down for a break while Jeff Stanton rode my bike across the creek and through the hard stuff. I kept my cool and got back on the bike, continuing through the wider, woods path. These were flatter, with only sticks and roots to maneuver. It was fun and I kept smiling to myself.

After break they put me on an 850 Triumph Tiger. I have always been self-conscious about the bigger bikes, and immediately dropped it in the grass. Jeff Stanton told me I used too much front brake and to remember that the "clutch is my friend." Standing up took away some of the bigger bike anxiety. With their riding tips, soon I was coasting around the figure 8 loop. I ventured out to do wider circles through tall grass, across the wooden bridge, and around the upper mowed pasture. I easily rode the Tiger back to the lodge, avoiding sandy areas per Jeff Stanton’s instructions. However, when I pulled next to the other bikes to attempt to park, I again pulled the front brake too hard and went down in the gravel. I felt pretty stupid until I got up and realized the guy behind me did the same thing. 

After a short break we went for a ride on the roads outside the ranch. Jeff Stanton led us over gravel and hard packed dirt roads. I rode the Yamaha with excited fear and smiled the whole time. Near the end he took us down a very challenging deep sand road. It was scary and difficult, but I did it. Jeff asked me halfway what I thought and I said I sure had a lot of adrenaline. He said to barrel through it – but, that is hard to do.

Jeff Stanton leads Rhonda & Mark 

My adventure motorcycle training finished up with a 100 mile ride the next morning. I rode the Yamaha, this time with Jeff Stanton, Bill, and my husband Mark on our own Triumph Tiger 900. Again, I was all smiles and so proud of how well I rode on various surfaces - that is, until we hit another deep sand road. At first, I stood up and barreled through. However, I hit a deeper sandy spot and went down into some small trees along the roadside. I felt a pain in my left wrist, but I got up and right back on to finish the morning ride. Every time I pulled in the clutch my hand hurt more, but I persevered for another 30 miles or so to our lunch stop.

Jeff Siegers grills lunch

Lunch was in a gorgeous natural setting along the prettiest little stream. Jeff Siegers had a pop-up tent set up with table and chairs, plus a cooking table. He grilled me a portabella mushroom with onions and peppers. The guys had McRib type sandwiches. It was good food in a lovely, relaxing location. For added entertainment, gypsy moths crawled all over the tent, table, chairs, and us.

Road through National Forest

As planned, after lunch I rode two-up with Mark on our Tiger and they trailered my Yamaha. It really is a different experience as a passenger, having no control and total trust in the driver. I know Mark is a good rider, but the deep sand is unfamiliar to him on the Tiger. Mostly, though, we were on a variety of road surfaces.

The best was a very narrow one through deep tree cover of maples and beech that canopied a grassy road. As a passenger I got scared on some of the sand roads. Mark struggled and couldn't "paddle through" with my foot pegs and feet in the way. A couple times I got off and walked ahead. I'm not sure I smiled as much as a passenger, though the gravel that used to bother me was now a welcome change to the somewhat terrifying sandy roads. 

We saw lots of wildlife along the ride. Once there were turtles laying eggs on the dirt roadway. We also saw deer, turkey, snakes, fox, heron, and many other birds. I even saw an osprey with a snake in its talons fly over me. Riding in Michigan is beautiful, through mostly forest, with occasional farms and pastures. Lots of boggy areas, with small pond and lakes tucked in here and there. On the seasonal roads we rode through maple, oaks, pine, beech, and birch trees, blanketed underneath with oak fern.

In the end, I did it! It wasn’t perfect and I still have a lot to learn, but after 2 days I do feel more confident about my riding skills, better know my limitations, and a little more about what I’m doing wrong.  I went in with a mindset of confidence and courage. I came out learning that the "clutch is my friend," I can ride a bigger bike, and that I can ride off pavement on various road surfaces – even sand. 

This was an amazing experience that I highly recommend. In addition to riding instruction, we stayed at an upscale hunting ranch, tucked in dense forest where white tail deer openly roamed nearby. They served us delicious meals with lots of time for informal discussion with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Overall, Jeff Stanton Adventures provided us a skill building venture we will savor for years to come.

Rhonda and Mark Ferree with Jeff Stanton

Jeff Stanton and Bill ride ahead of us

Another Forest  Road

Ferree Tiger with Jeff Stanton van at Two Hats Ranch

More pictures and video found on Jeff Stanton Adventures Facebook and Instagram Pages 

Note: Upon returning home an Xray showed I had a small fracture in my left wrist, though it certainly doesn't deter my enthusiasm for adventure motorcycle riding.

Southwest National Parks Provide Surprise and Fun During COVID Travels

It was a cold day in late January as we started our journey from home in Central Illinois to our February Airbnb In Morro Bay, California. Our journey took us through several states and many unique landscapes and ecosystems. Along the way we visited four of our nations finest national park sites. 

Our first was White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It was an unplanned stop, but as is usually the case, a wonderful surprise addition to our trip. Tucked within military mission training sites, this park is a stark landscape of deep white gypsum sands. The overcast cool day, dark rain clouds, and white drifts gave the impression that we were in the Arctic, not a desert. Dotted among the crystal white sand dunes are some of the hardiest plants. Similar to arctic plants, the plants here are adapted to the harshest of conditions: dry, hot, cold, infertile, and wind blown. Yet, the soaptree yucca, rubber rabbit brush, cholla, and little bluestem grass thrive and add graceful green to the vast whiteness. I climbed the dunes to see the views, then sledded back down with screams and giggles of delight. Wow, that was fun! 

The next day found us in Tucson where we visited Saguaro National Park East. We had visited the western part of the park in 2014 while there attending a Garden Writers Association meeting. The eastern portion had less saguaros overall, but I liked it better in many ways. The hard paved road around the park took us through hills and valleys full of desert plants unique to this area. Giant saguaro stood tall among prickly pear, cholla, acacia, barrel cactus, mesquite shrubs, and more. On the Mica trail we walked among the desert plants while viewing the snow capped Mica mountains in the distance. 

We left there and headed toward our next stop in Blythe, CA. On the way, we decided to make another unplanned stop - this time at the nations oldest preserved archaeology site. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves an ancient cultural site of irrigation farmers who grew corn, cotton, prickly pear, squash, and more. Completed about 1350, this central walled compound contained a four-story house, ball court, mounds, and networks of irrigation canals. 

Our final park stop before reaching our February home was Joshua Tree National Park. As we moved through the cholla teddy bear cactus garden, giant smooth boulders, Joshua Trees, and Hidden Valley, this park quickly moved to our top ten favorite places. The teddy bear cacti’s deceptive furry looking spines glowed in the morning sun. Ocatillo cactus started to come alive following the recent rare snow event, sending out red spikes and small leaves along their long, spiky stems. Small and large Joshua trees dotted the expansive Mojave desert with shaggy trunks and spiky leaves. As we climbed up and down and around the hidden valley nature trail, the plants put on a show of various colors and shapes, where pinyon pines, oaks, and junipers joined the cacti and succulents. 

Five days and 2400 miles later we arrived to a brilliant orange and yellow sunset ocean view from the picture windows in our temporary Morro Bay home. After a 10 day quarantine, we hiked, biked, and kayaked natural areas all around Morro Bay (see other blogs about our adventures). 

We added one more National park visit on our way home in March at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. After a short look around the visitor center (surprisingly open during COVID), we hiked the large log trail. The massive petrified tropical trees were fascinating. So many colors in the logs from minerals during the petrification process. We were short on time so drove through the rest of the park, only stopping briefly at the other end to see the picturesque desert view. It is truly a painted desert with layers of colors in the rocks, very few trees, and only a few shrubs scattered across the wide desert. We need to go back and explore this park more. 

Our National Parks are truly unique and astonishing, each in their own way. I can’t wait to visit more parks this year. We have camping reservations for Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Rocky Mountain National Park this fall.

Exploring Shawnee National Forest on a Tiger

A black swallowtail butterfly flies along side my foot peg. Indigo bunting birds lead us into the woods. A woodsy scent lures us into the lush, green jungle that is Shawnee National Forest. We’ve been to this pristine forest many times in southern Illinois, but this time is different – better. Our Triumph Tiger motorcycle allows us a full experience, complete with woodsy and floral smells, scenic natural views, and a variety of perfect motorcycle roads. The vibes of this forest are strong, melding our souls to the cosmos around us.

Dixon Springs Campground

Our basecamp is Dixon Springs State Park campground. We are nestled under the dense shade cover of many trees. The campsites are spread out nicely and it is shady and quiet. The Chocolate Factory across the highway is a nice bonus to this location.

Dirt Road near Hicks, IL

We are following parts of the “Shawnee Forest 430 Mile Loop” motorcycle map we found online at usdualsports.com. Our favorite roads are hard packed dirt that wind through the National Forest. Along a particularly rustic "fire road," we stop for a snack and water break. Sitting on a fallen log, we are enveloped in the forest. A peewee bird sings to us in the distance. Large beech trees surround us. A very nice respite spot.

At Cave-in-Rock we have a beer at the lodge on their patio overlooking the wide Ohio river. A feeling of bliss overcomes me as I soak up the sun, beer, peace, companionship, river view, and flowering plants around me. We hike to the cave along a short trail and meet two other adventure bike riders. The cave is impressive in size and has a split in the top that lets in natural sunlight.

Indian Kitchen along Lusk Creek

On day two we ride to the Lusk Creek Nature Preserve. We find a trailhead off Ragan Road and walk through the national forest to a clearing where horses tie up. Beyond that is the state preserve leading to Indian Kitchen. A massive rock face rises above the serene Lusk creek, which flows into the cliff face down a rocky stream with water plants at the end to slow its flow. The water under the cliff is a cloudy grey-green, making us think it is deep and cold. The water is clear at the edge where a few small minnows swim. Swallows work the cliff face, going in and out of honeycomb holes to feed their young. Way up the sheer rock, heuchera (coral bells) grow on the wall – hanging on in a mysterious way. Water runs over the edge in places, dripping into the pool. We sit by a burned out firepit, eat raisins and absorb the loveliness all around us. Soon we hear people nearby. When we climb out of the “kitchen,” there are about 12 horses tied up and several people having snacks. They are shocked when we walk out of the woods and even more surprised that we hiked 3 miles there.

Elizabethtown Catfish Restaurant 

We have lunch in Elizabethtown on a floating restaurant where they serve catfish caught on the Ohio river. A Jon boat is here delivering its morning catch, which are cleaned in a small hut before heading to the kitchen to fry. Our fresh catfish sandwich was exceptional.

The moto map leads us down a variety of roads in the afternoon. Sparks Hills Road has deep ruts, a section of deep gravel, and horse riders blocking the road. At Glen O. Jones Lake, we find a Tecumseh statue, with a nice tribute to this important Native American. Great winding, paved roads lead us back to camp.

Bell Smith Springs Natural Bridge

On our final day, the Tiger takes us to waterfalls of Southern Illinois. At Bell Smith Springs we take the 1.5-mile loop trail to the Natural Bridge. At a creek crossing a mass of swallowtail butterflies feed on the wet sand. We hike up to the top of the natural bridge – Illinois’s longest natural bridge at 150 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 60 feet tall. It is quite an impressive natural wonder. The waterfall behind the bridge is dry, so we need to come back when it is flowing.

Bork Falls at Fern Clyffe Park

We ride to Fern Clyffe State Park and hike the boy scout trial to Redman Falls. It is barely a trickle, but its wet rocky slope is quite pretty. We ride the Tiger down Happy Hollow Road to Regent Road, going across large, flat rock, creek crossings and lots of very rough roads. We stop to walk a short trail to Bork Falls – a 100-foot tall, intermittent waterfall that flows nicely over the rocky ledge. A mother and two small kids swim in the pool below the falls.

Trigg Tower 

The day also includes several surprises. On Buncombe Road to Vienna a tired horse walks down a driveway and into the roadway in front of us – all on its own. It seems to know where it is going. Perhaps the most beautiful ride of the day was through the Simpson Barrens Natural Area on Trigg Tower Road to the Trigg Tower. We climb four flights of stairs up the old fire watch tower to an expansive view above the treetops, where we can see for miles and miles into the Shawnee National Forest. On the way back to camp, we stop along Rushing Road to enjoy another bluff-top overlook of the valley.

Scenic View on Rushing Road

Riding the Tiger motorcycle gives us a new perspective of Southern Illinois and lead us to some new locations. I can smell the honeysuckle and rose blossoms along the way as I enjoy the beautiful natural scenery that is Southern Illinois.  

Nature's Euphoria on Black Mountain Road

Wow! Wow! Woohoo! I'm glad we saved the best for last. This road is amazing. 

My husband Mark and I spent the month of February in Morro Bay, California in an Airbnb. We took our new Triumph Tiger motorcycle with us and enjoyed many day rides exploring and soaking up Central California's magical natural areas. On Tuesday, February 23rd, we rode the Black Mountain Road. Below is my journal entry from that day. 

Rock slides 

Turkey Flat Staging Area

We started our ride at the Turkey Flat staging area and rode up, up, up. We rode on a very narrow, paved path that skirts cliffs and mountains, peaks and valleys. Rock slides put obstacles in our path. The asphalt buckles and rolls in places.

I must say that this is the closest to nature I've felt in a long time. At the top we can see in every direction for miles and miles. Dense trees cover the ground below us - over hills and mountains that roll on and on in the distance, never seeming to end. I feel giddy, euphoric and keep smiling. The intense beauty almost brings me to tears. We truly feel on top of the world - connected to the earth and it's beauty all around us. 

Journaling in Nature

Now we are at a crossroads where a dirt road intersects the paved one. I got off to sit while Mark rides the dirt road alone. I'm sitting on a blanket in a grassy, soft area - completely enclosed in nature. Trees circle me above the shrubs and grasses. The wind whips in the cliffs behind me. Here the sun is warm on my arms and back. In front of me are two tall soft needled pines. To the left are gnarly deciduous and dead oaks, some with large bunches of mistletoe decorating their canopy. The sky is blue with wispy white clouds. Bright green grass is all around me. 

Total paradise!

Crossroads intersection

Mark at top of Black Mountain Road

Mistletoe in Oak tree

Climbing up Black Mountain Road

Amaryllis Brighten a Dreary Winter Day

The amaryllis is a symbol of determination, beauty, and love. Some also associate this flower with strength, determination, and success. I think it is all those things and more. Each morning for the past month, I’ve watched my amaryllis elongate and open its spectacular blooms. Each day the flower looks stronger and more beautiful. Each day it inspires me to also do something that brings beauty, love, and strength into our world.

Amaryllis flowers make a bold statement. Borne on a 1 ½ to 2-foot tall stalk, the trumpet-shaped, 6-inch blooms dominate their surroundings. After flowering, the plant produces attractive, bright green leaves, and with a little care will flower year after year.

Amaryllis growing kits are common this time of year. Check them before purchasing to be sure the bulbs are solid. Some will start to grow in the box, and just need light and water to continue. Follow the  instructions found on the box.

Star of Holland Amaryllis

Dad and I both got our amaryllis the same day. His ‘Star of Holland’ was supposed to reach 20-24 inches tall with two stems of eight inch flowers. However, his bulb had grown substantially in the box, and did not grow very tall before blooming. Still, it did have 3-4 eight inch blooms on 2 stalks, and they were outstanding

If you buy an amaryllis bulb without a kit, follow these procedures for potting. Since the bulbs are large and thrive in cramped quarters, allow only one-half inch of space between the bulb and side of the pot. Fill the pot with a good potting soil. Set the bulb so that half of it is above the pot rim. Add more soil to about one inch from the pot rim. Firm the soil and drench it with lukewarm water until the surplus drains through the bottom hole.      

The amaryllis needs heat to start growing so place the pot in a dark, warm, airy space until the first leaves or flower buds show. Then move the amaryllis into a sunny location and water thoroughly. Do not water again until the soil feels dry to the touch. When the flower blooms, move it out of direct sunlight so it will last longer.

My amaryllis (shown below) is a ‘Red Lion,’ with multiple, large red flowers on 20-26” stalks. As you can see in the picture, my bulb had already slightly sprouted so I put it in a north window above a floor heater. When it had fully elongated and flower buds were formed, I moved it to a south-east window – mainly because that is where I can see it best each morning over coffee.

If you want to rebloom your amaryllis each year, follow these tips to assure the plant’s health and beauty for many seasons. When the flowers fade, return the pot to bright sunlight. Allow the plant to grow several long, strap-like leaves to help rebuild the bulb. When danger of frost is past, plunge the pot in your garden where the plant will receive filtered sunlight.

In mid-September, the outer leaves will begin to yellow, an indication that the plant needs a rest. Cut all the leaves to within an inch of the neck of the bulb, bring the plant in and stop watering. Store it in a cool spot at 50 to 55 degrees F and forget it until late November or early December. At that time, bring the plant back to the light, replant if needed, begin watering, and watch it grow. When the bulb begins to show signs of growth, start the blooming cycle again.

Start an amaryllis bulb today to brighten your winter household.

Red Lion Amaryllis on 12-6-2020

Red Lion Amaryllis on 1-10-2021

Red Lion Amaryllis on 1-13-2021

Red Lion Amaryllis on 1-14-2021

Red Lion Amaryllis on 1-14-2021

A January Visit to the St. Louis Zoo

Yesterday gave us a great opportunity to visit the St. Louis Zoo. We had to go to St. Louis for another reason anyway, and since the zoo requires reservations due to COVID, we felt safe in their outside exhibits. This zoo has amazing animal exhibits, and it is free (except the $10 parking fee). I t also has some nice landscape plants and displays.

Winterberry

The first plant to greet us was a common winterberry (Ilex verticillata) in the parking lot. It’s bright clusters of red berries covered the small shrubs, making quite an impressive display. This plant is native to eastern North America. I’m not sure which cultivar this one was, but the native plant grows 3-12 feet tall in an upright-rounded habit. This is a holly plant, but unlike its relatives, it is a deciduous plant – dropping its leaves each fall. Like its relatives, it is a dioecious plant and needs one male plant for every 6-10 plants in order to produce berries.

Nandina at left, Bamboo at right

Another red berried shrub attracting attention was the heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica). Unfortunately, this is not a native plant and is potentially invasive. This is not a true bamboo, though there were giant cane bamboo plants (Arundinaria gigantea) planted at the zoo.

A leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) caught my eye in the bird garden, where signage discussed how to garden to attract birds. This viburnum is an upright semi-evergreen shrub, reaching 6-10 feet tall.

Tucked under an arborvitae in the bird garden was a plant that really surprised me. I never expected to see a tropical looking plant in winter. Italiam arum (Arum italicum) is an herbaceous perennial shade plant hardy to zones 5-10. It prefers a moist soil in a shady area. The Missouri Botanical Garden website says its “leaves emerge in autumn and are evergreen in warm climates. However, in colder climates the leaves often die in winter, resprout in spring, then go dormant in summer.

On our way out of the zoo, two displays caught my eye. A container featured a blooming witchhazel surrounded by pansy plants. See my blog on witchhazels for more information on this plant.

Also at the entrance was a 24-foot tall giraffe topiary. Although not a live topiary, it was very impressive. I believe it is part of their Christmas light displays. See the zoo’s YouTube on how they construct this impressive giraffe.

Winter at the zoo was a different experience that I really enjoyed. I really liked seeing the Bactrian camel, Chinese goral, red panda, jaguar, Amur tiger, snow leopard, and grizzly bears (all pictured below). Of course, the highlight of the St Louis Zoo for me is always the penguin exhibit. I’ve been to many zoos across our nation and I think this penguin exhibit is the best. It allows visitors to get up close and personal with the penguins and puffins. This was especially true yesterday since there were so few zoo visitors. We had a private viewing inside the penguin-puffin house – just us, four types of penguins, two types of puffins, and a security guard.

Visiting the zoo during the COVID pandemic felt very safe. The masks helped keep us warm, though it did take some time to find a position where our glasses didn’t fog up so much.  We were able to take the masks off for a coffee and scone break by a duck pond.

If you’ve never visited a zoo in the winter, I highly recommend it. Although it was only 30 degrees outside, we were bundled up warmly. In many ways it was more comfortable than former visits there in the heat of summer.

Bactrian camel

Chinese goral

Jaguar

Snow leopard

Amur tiger

Red Panda

Grizzly bear

King penguins

Humboldt penguins